Duale names new acting KNH CEO in fresh leadership reforms
By Luke Oluoch, August 18, 2025Richard Lesiyampe Leserian has been appointed to act as the chief executive officer of Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in new leadership reforms targeting the health sector in Kenya.
According to a communication from the Ministry of Health dated Monday, August 18, 2025, and signed by Health CS Aden Duale, Lesiyampe, who has been serving as the CEO at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) in an acting capacity, has been transferred to the Kenyatta National Hospital.
New CEO
“As the apex national referral facility, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) plays a critical role in advancing health sector reforms and achieving Universal Health Coverage. To support this mandate, Dr. Richard Lesiyampe Leserian has been transferred to act as the Chief Executive Officer of KΝΗ,” the statement read in part.
The Health CS says the changes are part of the ministry’s strategy of strengthening the major hospital governance and administrative systems.
“Dr. Lesiyampe, formerly Acting CEO of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), brings vast experience to strengthen KNH’s governance, clinical, and administrative systems in line with ongoing reforms.”
Okise promoted
Following Lesiyampe’s redeployment, Joshua Clinton Okise has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Kisumu-based medical facility.
“Following this transition, Mr. Joshua Clinton Ombiri Okise has been appointed to act as Chief Executive Officer of JOOTRH. He will oversee a smooth leadership transition and support the JOOTRH’s continued growth following its recent elevation to Level 6 status,” the statement confirmed.
Before his appointment, Okise was the Senior Director of Finance and Administration at the facility.
According to the communique, the changes are in line with aiding the two facilities in streamlining their mandate of advancing health sector reforms and providing equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare to all.
The changes come days after the transition committee in charge of elevating the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) visited the health facility to ascertain its level and align its human resources with those of the government.
The committee was led and chaired by James Ntabo, while other members included Dr. Richard Lesiyampe, CEO of JOOTRH, Dr. Rebecca Kiptui, Dr. Ruth Bosire, Mr. Stephen Macharia, Francis Muteti, Edith Torome, Dr. Joshua Ojwang Lusi, – Kisumu County’s Chief Officer- Health, Martin Opiyo. – Kisumu County’s Chief Officer- Finance, Dr. Racheal Nyamwai, Alice Machanga, and Judy Chepkirui.
JOOTRH’s Elevation process
The process to elevate JOOTRH to a national referral hospital kicked off in March 2005, after the Cabinet approved the plan, a year after the national government embarked on taking over the facility that serves over 10 counties in the region and beyond.